Live: Tornado Warning in Iowa — Real-Time Tracker, Impacted Counties & Urgent Safety Tips

A fast-moving line of severe thunderstorms triggered multiple tornado warnings across central Iowa Friday afternoon, prompting sirens from Newton to Taylor County and sending thousands racing for shelter. The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Des Moines issued the first Tornado Warning for Jasper County at 2:42 p.m., specifically naming Newton, Lambs Grove and the Iowa Speedway complex through 3:15 p.m. Radar indicated rotation tight enough to warrant an Emergency Alert System activation, and spotters near Colfax reported a brief funnel touching treetops before the storm raced northeast at nearly 45 mph. Only minutes later, the warning polygon expanded as the parent supercell cycled. By 3:25 p.m. NWS Des Moines extended tornado warnings into Guthrie and Dallas counties, highlighting Panora, Menlo and Monteith until 4:00 p.m. Residents across the Highway 141 corridor were urged to seek interior, lowest-level shelter immediately. Statewide tornado watch in effect Friday’s outbreak potential had been well-telegraphed. A Tornado Watch covering much of central and southeast Iowa—including Des Moines, Newton and Knoxville—was issued at 12:50 p.m. and remains in effect until 8:00 p.m. Atmospheric conditions featured dew points in the mid-70s, surface temperatures near 90 °F and wind shear supportive of rotating updrafts, ingredients forecasters warned could “rapidly spin up” tornadoes embedded in squall lines. Counties at greatest risk as of 4 p.m.: • Jasper • Guthrie • Dallas • Marion • Warren • Taylor Power outages and damage reports MidAmerican Energy reported more than 14,000 customers without power at the height of the warning as trees snapped and power lines fell in eastern Jasper County. Emergency managers in Newton confirmed roof damage on the west side of town, while Iowa Speedway officials evacuated campers and suspended all track activities. Farther southwest, law enforcement in Taylor County relayed spotter video of a cone tornado briefly on the ground near Gravity at 3:55 p.m., prompting an extension of warnings there until 4:30 p.m. What to do if a warning is issued for your area • Move to a small, windowless interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. • Avoid large open rooms such as gyms or auditoriums. • If driving, do not try to outrun a tornado; exit the vehicle and seek shelter in a nearby building or, as last resort, a low ditch. • Keep a weather radio or smartphone alerts enabled; storms today are fast-moving and may allow only minutes of lead time. More storms possible this evening The FOX Forecast Center notes a Level 3 of 5 severe risk remains in place for southeast Iowa through tonight, including the Quad Cities region, as a trailing cold front sparks additional supercells capable of large hail and tornadoes. As the boundary stalls, localized flooding may also become a concern where storms train over the same areas. Stay weather-aware Keep monitoring NOAA Weather Radio, local television, and @NWSDesMoines social feeds for updated warnings as the situation evolves. Have multiple ways to receive alerts, charge mobile devices, and review family shelter plans now—before the next warning is issued.